T 2U: i'm in an abusive relationship with my supervisorT 2U: he shits on me and i take it because I'm afraid to leavealisenikkole: wow, what a metaphoralisenikkole: but your mediocre expectation friends (read: coworkers) tell you well at least you got a man T 2U: they sure doalisenikkole: and it will take you getting beaten severely to finally leavealisenikkole: if it don't kill you firstalisenikkole: read: stress T2U: at least if i die I'll know it'll be the end T 2U: instead of jumping into another abusive relationshipalisenikkole: break the cycle T 2U: i'm afraid T 2U: i'm nothing without him/italisenikkole: girl, you was something before, and you will be after T 2U: he/it has me convinced that i'm not worth anythingalisenikkole: that's what I am here for, to encourage youalisenikkole: you ARE some-bodyalisenikkole: you can do better girrrrrrrrrrrlT2U: lolT2U: i T2U: canT2U: do T2U: betteralisenikkole: girl, your president is blackalisenikkole: that is gonna be my catch all response to everything

We were kidding around as usual, but Tiha kind of had a point for a change. When we put ourselves in situations that we have control over that are toxic, then we are in a sense in an abusive relationship. We will let these situations, be it jobs, friendships, or organizations continue on for appearances. We will let mediocre expectation having folks talk us into letting complacency continue to whoop our asses, but keep going back like a good little lemming. I went to a website to pull an example of the signs of a n abusive relationship, and I swear they fit the same profile of an "abusive work relationship". I will analyze a few off the list:

Tries to control you by being very bossy or demanding. - self explanatory

Tries to isolate you by demanding you cut off social contacts and friendships. - overworks and ignores the fact that you have a life outside of the job (i.e. making you work every holiday)

Is violent and / or loses his or her temper quickly. - you have the boss you are constantly trying please to avoid their adult temper tantrums

Abuses drugs or alcohol. - replace drugs and alcohol with power and greed

Claims you are responsible for his or her emotional state. - the blame game where higher ups blame the little people (us) for everything to cover their ass when shit hits the fan.

Has a history of bad relationships. - Blames you even though their track record sucks a big one.

.... and there were many more on the list, and they all seemed to apply. So like I told the Moody Gremlin Tiha, "break the cycle." I am glad I am finally starting to follow my own advice.P.S.Oh yeah, buy my book.... pleeeeeeeeeease.... (see upper right hand corner)

This is the best metaphor on earth right now! Kudos to you and Tiha for seeing that parallels of this crap. I feel the same way. I actually feel like a soap opera wife that's been tied up in the basement for weeks and weeks.